Mizoram – Mizoram is blending sport with economic opportunity as the state hosts the second edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2026 alongside LESDE Kût 2026, a five‑day programme dedicated to employment, skills, and entrepreneurship.
The marathon, scheduled for February 14 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, has registered more than 2,500 runners, a sharp rise from 1,500 in its debut last year. Organisers confirmed that 25 elite athletes from Africa, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and Europe are competing, giving the event a stronger international profile.
Sports & Tourism and Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the government deliberately paired the sporting spectacle with employment‑focused initiatives to maximise outreach. “LESDE Kût is designed to attract young people through cultural programmes while connecting them to job fairs, career guidance, entrepreneurship platforms and skill enrolment drives,” he explained.
The festival, held from February 10 to 14 at Lammual in Aizawl, features MSME and start‑up exhibitions, buyer–seller meets, consultation desks, overseas employment facilitation and awareness campaigns on labour welfare and social security. The Labour and Employment Department is coordinating the programme with support from Union ministries.
AIHM curator Captain Rahul Bali noted that participation has expanded significantly within a year. While the first edition largely drew runners from the Northeast, this year’s event has attracted wider national and international interest.
Officials believe the combined format strengthens Mizoram’s position as a destination for sports tourism while creating structured platforms for jobs and enterprise. With rising participation and global representation, the marathon is emerging as a flagship sporting event, while the parallel employment festival underscores the state’s strategy to align visibility in sports with economic outcomes.
